Last week, U.S. Congressman John Salazar invited students to participate in the 28th annual Congressional Art Competition.

Salazar encourages all high school students in the Third Congressional District to submit an original work to hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year, and to win two tickets to Washington, DC to attend a ceremony unveiling their work.

“The students in our district are some of the most creative and talented in the nation, and they are surrounded by spectacular natural beauty to inspire and encourage them,” said Salazar. “I hope they will all take this opportunity to be recognized for their abilities, and I look forward to seeing their work.”

The winner of the competition will receive two free tickets to Washington, DC, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and may be eligible to receive a $1,500 per year admission scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design, should they apply and be accepted.

In order to be eligible, students can submit an original, two-dimensional piece of artwork to their local district office (a full list of the district offices can be found at house.gov/Salazar). The work must be original in concept, design and execution, and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry copied from an existing photo (that is not the student’s own work) will not be considered. For more guidelines and the requisite submission materials, contact Claire Johnson in Washington, DC, at (202) 225-4761, or Shanna Farmer in Pueblo, at (719) 543-5200.

Timeline for entry

• April 16 — All entries due to local district office (see house.gov/Salazar to find your local office).

• April 25 — Winner chosen in each district office, then sent to the Pueblo office for the selection of the final winner.

• May 24 — Winning art framed and sent to Washington to be hung.

• June 17 — Art competition reception for winners and a guest. Winners will meet the Congressman and see their work hanging in the Capitol.